Squier Anyone?

[lure555]

The snob in me never gave Squier a look, but they really are putting out some cool guitars. J Mascis JM? Hell yeah! From the look of things, there's some decent quality. I'm assuming that the pups will need to be swapped out. What other mods are people doing to these guitars?

[Volumeknob]

At present I have a Squier Surf Green Jaguar---a Squire Strat and ...er...oh wait thats all at the moment both are AWESOME both rock.
I have had to many Squires to mention Basses, guitars, Jazzmasters,....Telecasters....none sucked. quality was spot on and often times a little better or so equal to a Blind man could NOT tell the diff between a Squire and a Fender.......Hell many of the Fenders are made over seas now---Mustangs for one I know of......so Squire/Fender.....same ol same ol. except the price of course.... ;)

Mods.....oh they have run the gambit ------I think the most radical was the Gibson P-90 in the middle position of a Surf GReen Partso Caster lol

[lure555]

There's a funny blindfold test video on You Tube by Anderton's Music in England where two guitar guys could not tell the difference between a Tele CV and a Custom shop just from holding and playing the guitars unplugged. They were completely shocked and embarrassed.

[FrankJohnson]

I have a CV Pbass with CV JBass neck and checnged the guts out. it is a nice bass, but not on par with a premium bass. That said - I gig with it because it is light and sounds good.

I keep it becasue of that -

I tell you that to tell you this......
I have played other Squiers that were phenomenal. I know this from experience.
I put them in the category of "better Hand Picked".

[Offshore Angler]

Squiers don't have a "factory" like other guitars. Fender decides they need some and they bid out to different companies to have them made. Because of this, the quality can vary vastly. They aren't built by Fender. They are built all over the world and the next lot comes from who-knows?

[S. Cane]

There's a funny blindfold test video on You Tube by Anderton's Music in England where two guitar guys could not tell the difference between a Tele CV and a Custom shop just from holding and playing the guitars unplugged. They were completely shocked and embarrassed.

There are definitely good Squiers, that's a fact. Some do beat MiM Fenders in some aspects...

But those Andertons videos... I don't know... They are a store, you know?

I've seen another video by them, they were "testing" the sustain in a Gibson LP Standard, a Studio, and an Epiphone Standard. The Epi's sustain smoked both Gibsons'... Take whatever conclusion you want

[lure555]

There are definitely good Squiers, that's a fact. Some do beat MiM Fenders in some aspects...

But those Andertons videos... I don't know... They are a store, you know?

I've seen another video by them, they were "testing" the sustain in a Gibson LP Standard, a Studio, and an Epiphone Standard. The Epi's sustain smoked both Gibsons'... Take whatever conclusion you want

Their a music store for the people! They don't want to sell you a guitar for thousands of Pounds... just a couple hundred will do. ;)

[Old Ranger]

I've said this for decades and will continue to repeat it until I fall down for the last time and not get up.....

I could care less about the country of origin.

Oh, I've had my share of fine old originals from the late 50's and early 60's. Shucks, most of them were new or nearly new when I got 'em. But they're all gone now. It cracks me up to hear the sniffers carry on about this and that with their high dollar stuff. They make me laugh. Spend thousands of dollars on an instrument for what? To do the same thing that a well built import can do for a fraction of the cost.

I sold my last Gibson two years ago and the same for the last Fender I had. Now I got three Epiphones and a Squire. Do I feel like I have cheap junk that's totally worthless? Hardly. What I have are quality built instruments that suited my needs and I didn't spend all my lunch money on them either! Hell, I got a Peavey Raptor that cost me a whopping $32 in a pawn shop that simply wails! Ya don't need a high end instrument to play. YOU need to play. YOU, not the instrument, makes the difference.

See, I told ya I was the resident "Grumpy Old Man"! You may now return your seats to the upright positions and are free to walk about the cabin. Thank you for flying with us today on Reality Airlines where stupid people don't get a parachute.

[Offshore Angler]

I've done setups on more MIM Strats and Teles than I can even remember... They're an absolute bargain, in my humble opinion. And the fact is, if you can't get it done with one of those, then a high dollar guitar isn't gonna help ya much... I'm just sayin'...

I've owned a few MIMs, my Esquire started life as one. But regarding the rest of your post I humbly beg to differ. When you're at stage volume a truly great Les Paul or Heritage into a great amp is damn near a religious experience.

A very few Strats will fall into the "monster" realm, I've played a couple but have never been able to acquire one. My Esquire is a good, but not a great guitar but it's a Darth Vader... not much of the original left. I've got a couple USA Strats that fall into the "very good" category but they aren't into monster territory. I've never once encountered a MIM that crossed over. I've actually had a Fender Japan Strat onstage once that had the right stuff.

I have a quick test for a Strat...dial in a tad of OD, turn the tones to zero and let 'er rip. If it's muffled and woofy, move on. If it sings and sustains on zero, turn the tones to ten. If you can then hear the string slap and the springs working, it's a keeper. From there it's just a matter of how it feels and if the looks are stage worthy.

All IMHO, YMMV.

[Offshore Angler]

I think you may have read too much into my comment... All I was saying, is that they setup and play pretty damn good. It wasn't a comparison to anything.

As far as "a truly great Les Paul into a great amp is damn near a religious experience"? You're preachin' to the choir, my brother...

Yeah, we're cool. And I do admit a MIM is a great value and a pretty nicely made guitar.

[Direstraits]

I think there is a bit of brand snobbishness in most of us. I have one Squier - a CV 50's Tele in blonde which I bought following good reviews by other members here, & I haven't been disappointed. The body is made of pine & the paint is just translucent enough to see the grain very faintly. The pickups are Alnico 3 and to me, it sounds exactly what a Tele should sound like. It could probably benefit from new pots etc but I wouldn't change the pickups as it would change the sound.

I also have a 1980's MIJ standard Strat, a MIM Classic 50's Strat, a USA Mark Knopfler sig Strat & a MIM Blacktop Jaguar 90.
I can see no real difference in the finish between the MIM, MIJ & Squier guitars although as you'd expect the USA artist model is
a better guitar -but probably not TWICE as good (it cost twice what the MIM cost). My luthier says that the Chinese built guitars are now
of a consistent quality and there is very little difference between them and their MIM equivalents.

At the end of the day I think it comes down to whether the guitar is good enough for you. If it sounds the way you want, and is reliable it's just a matter of getting over the name on the headstock. I've been GASsing for a "proper" Jaguar with all the switching options, but If I get one it is likely to be a Squier, purely on the basis that for £264 (plus any hardware upgrade) it will be better value than an MIM costing over £800.

[lure555]

This week we bought our 7 year old a mini Strat and a Champion 20. After setting it up lefty for him I told my wife that this guitar already surpasses the first guitars of anyone I know. And that $100 amp is so much fun I can help but plug in to it.

[S. Cane]

My posts are often taken as corksniffery, but that's not what I mean...

There are good guitars at any price range, made everywhere. There are VERY good squires indeed, and I like that. When I was a kid, we didn't have such nice instruments for affordable prices. Hell, you can rock a stadium with some squires and solid bodied Epis (Casinos and Sheratons are another talk), that's cool! In good hands, they WILL do the job any pro has to do.

All I say is: there are obvious differences between these instruments and the handmade American ones... That's all.

[mukman]

I own an Indonesian made Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar bass and it's great! Fit and finish are top notch. PUPs are decent, electronics fine so far. No hum, buzz. Neck is really nice. Frets good, I like it a lot. Just ordered an Squire Mustang for my daughter. I'll post something about it after it arrives.

[Gravity Jim]

I haven't owned one, but I borrowed a Strat for a while that was really great, and just last week played a Squier version of a Tele Thinline that I really didn't want to put down. If I had room for another guitar I would have grabbed it.

[Volumeknob]

Currently own....er 3
Squire Jaguar--surf green
Squire Strat --black
Squire Jaguar BASS

Have owned many they are awesome----and from I have recently seen at guitar center----they are out classing some of the Fender offerings.
I could not tell any difference between the Fender Jaguar and JAzzmaster I played compaired to my Squire Jaguar.
And The Jaguar Bass (with active bass boost) blew the American Fender Jazz bass and the Squire Jazz Bass away......same amp same settings.....the Jag just RIPPEd....and ---HAD to come home with me ;)

Get a Squire---HELL get two, they are cheap! GC has strats for 99.00 ;) just saying. YOu can ad some "upgraded pups" or what not and still be MILES from the base model American Standard

[S. Cane]

No more pics??

[Volumeknob]

Current and previously owned (some) of the Squire crowd
New Jag Bass (with active boost----LOVING IT---like bass TURBO!)


The Jag ....Surftacular fun



P-bass that visited for a bit


VM Jaguar (returned to M.F. gold tone frets turned GREEN in less than 30 days) but otherwise a friggin awesomee Git


VM Jazzmaster --I REALLY loved this one.......wish I had her back......if I get a little extra green and find a deal I WILL have one again! Esperanza I miss you!!!!!!!


Squier Jazz Bass (aside my Fender MIM Jazz Bass) the Squire was traded to a coworker for ........green ;)


O.K......I am going to stop here I think my Squire Street Cred is "good" lol
So.......anyone got a Jazzmaster they wanna trade???????????????

[S. Cane]

Btw Volume, check your inbox

[Volumeknob]

Oh Lord........I was busy looking for a Jazzmaster online----now I have GAS thanks a TON deMelo!

[S. Cane]

Lol that's what friends are for

[Volumeknob]

Oh I forgot this "thing" damned ugly-----was FREE--- hate the ergonomics....(damn Volume knob!!!) but it sounds like HEAVEN and the neck is so fast and smooth (even with the chunks and dings and decals the P.O. stuck all over the back) ......We all "need" a strat right? HEre is my contribution..............

Big ol FAT headstock and all!

[mukman]

Yes Squier!! I got one of these recently:

I love it!

[Sonicboom2]

Got a squire with some up grades. It plays up with my les paul and Mexican made strat...i can't even hear a difference, just lighter in my hands then the other two. No more expensive guitars for me...this squires all i need. I'm only playing in the house to myself. The expensive stuff all paid for, just won't buy into over priced guitars again.

[S. Cane]

Got a squire with some up grades. It plays up with my les paul and Mexican made strat...i can't even hear a difference, just lighter in my hands then the other two. No more expensive guitars for me...this squires all i need. I'm only playing in the house to myself. The expensive stuff all paid for, just won't buy into over priced guitars again.

I've been thinking quite similarly, lately, after having modded my '94 Southern Cross Stratocaster (which is something like a cross breed between a Squier and a MiM Strat made of even worse wood) with Fender Fat 50s pickups and Emerson Custom pots, cap and new wiring. It plays just as well as my US made Strat, only slightly different in tone.

[OldStrummer]

I confess that I've been a bit of a guitar snob.

My first new guitar was a Framus 12-string I bought in Germany in 1971. I still have it. What's a Framus, you ask?

I got my second guitar in trade, a 1957 Gibson ES-225. I still have it. I love that guitar! Besides being an awesome electric, or acoustic, it's a Gibson!

Many years went by, and then I started buying guitars. I'm single again, and can pretty well spend my money on what I want. So, I went wild and bought Gibsons and Fenders exclusively (well, except for the Pignose travel guitar, and a Taylor acoustic).

Then, I began to diversify. First, it was a G&L Strat (technically, a Tribute Legacy). Then a KLŌS travel acoustic.

But what opened my eyes were the basses I recently bought. The Ibanez MiKro short-scale bass has a massive fan base. For the money, it's one of the best basses going, I hear.

And nobody -- I mean nobody -- makes a Jack Casady Signature Bass. Not Gibson, not Fender, not anybody. Except Epiphone.

So, forgive me for being a snob. I'm over that, now.

[Old Ranger]

I've had original 62 Strats, same in Fender Twins and old Deluxe Reverb amps. 64 SG Spl. And I bought em with hay hauling money, working on a ranch, and later in town laying carpet and flooring. Only thing is, they were either brand new or only a year old or so. I bought em "back in the day". I have had over 200 guitars in my time. Some were rare. Some super high end. And some klinkers. Yet most were "name brand" as they say. Fender, Gibson, Gretch, Martin, and so on. Then I retired. Was married to an idiot that moved constantly and went through more money than the national debt. I sold EVERYTHING!! At one point I didn't even own a guitar or amp.

Squier and Epiphone are what I own. From a former professional luthier, you can take this for what's it's worth. The manufacturing process and methods are the same. Material is often different, and components are as well, but what's being made today are very good instruments. Some may require modification, but not always. My new Squire Tele Bullet is great! The Epi ES339 is the most dynamic semi-hollowbody I have ever played. Better than the old 68 335 with PAF's from long ago. And now I'm gonna get me a Squier Bullet Strat, Mustang, and any other Bullets they got! I love em! Nope, I'm no guitar snob. Just the opposite.

[Volumeknob]

Well-- all the Previous Squires have left the building....except the Jazz Bass-- it got an UPGRADE-----
Signatures form the members of the band THE MISFITS---
needless to say its GOING NO WHERE
[IMG][/IMG]

I also Have a Squire P bass.....
[IMG][/IMG]

And A CV 50's PRecision......
[IMG][/IMG]
and rounding out the Squire Offerings...... JAGMASTER w/ Jangletrons ;)
[IMG][/IMG]

I agree Squires and Epiphones are AWESOME gear.

[ch willie]

Nice gear, VK!

[Old Ranger]

You know, about 2 years ago I had a Squier bullet Strat that was in a two-tone burst with white pickguard and such. It played beautifully. It felt wonderful in the hands. And was pleasant to look at. But, I fell into my minimalist mood and sold it along with several other instruments and amps. That was stupid, but also a learning experience. Recently, when I bought the surf green Squier bullet Telecaster, My overall enthusiasm for this series by Squier has increased many times over.

Now at the end of this month when my miniature retirement goes into the bank, I'm on my way to Guitar Center to buy another bullet Strat. I understand that they have a seafoam green with white trimming and the Laurel Wood fingerboard. I am impressed with that wood by the way. I don't miss Rosewood a bit. So $129 plus tax for a decent playing good sounding nice-looking Stratocaster by Squier in seafoam green? What's the downside here? Oops! There's not one.

Granted it would be fun to have a Squier bullet Mustang, but I really can't seriously justify it in my way of thinking. It would end up being just another guitar in the stack. I have an excellent dual humbucker guitar in my Epiphone es-339. I have not found a more Lush, rich, and simply overall pleasing instrument as this one. To be fair a Mustang, next to this instrument will be like looking at a boat paddle next to it next to a good Telecaster. So I think I'll give me a seafoam green Strat in a couple of weeks. Sounds like a plan I think.

Yeah, I am a Squier bullet junkie I suppose, but I could do a hell of a lot worse too.

[OldStrummer]

So $129 plus tax for a decent playing good sounding nice-looking Stratocaster by Squier in seafoam green? What's the downside here? Oops! There's not one.

Seriously? $129 for a Squier Strat? Where?

Heck, Amazon charges that much for a no-name beginner guitar!

[Volumeknob]

You can get them for 50.00 at your local Pawn Shop-----

I got this bass for 50.00 at Value pawn -- Squire -- great little thumper!
[IMG][/IMG]

[OldStrummer]

You can get them for 50.00 at your local Pawn Shop-----

I would love to have a local pawn shop nearby. Sadly, there are none...

[Old Ranger]

Seriously? $129 for a Squier Strat? Where? Heck, Amazon charges that much for a no-name beginner guitar!

Guitar Center. If none close, you can order online from GC too. Now I buy mine in store, because that way I can see what I'm buying. I have got some messed-up instruments in the past buying online. That will never happen again.

[OldStrummer]

Guitar Center. If none close, you can order online from GC too. Now I buy mine in store, because that way I can see what I'm buying. I have got some messed-up instruments in the past buying online. That will never happen again.

By golly, you're right. I saw plenty of $129 Squiers on GC's web site. Various pickup configs, colors, etc. I guess the "snob" in me has been passing them by all this time.

I have no room for any more gear. I'd have to get rid of some before I could think about buying anything.

[Old Ranger]

By golly, you're right. I saw plenty of $129 Squiers on GC's web site. Various pickup configs, colors, etc. I guess the "snob" in me has been passing them by all this time.

I have no room for any more gear. I'd have to get rid of some before I could think about buying anything.

Well "the snob" can take a hike! Expand your stuff!

As to no room? Oh please.... You're talking to a guy that lives in a 500 sq ft house. A guitar in a simple gigbag takes up 3"x 14" if stacked against the wall. Even in my dinky shack, I got room!
So take "the snob" out to lunch at Burger King, and leave him there.... Then go to Guitar Center and pick out a Squier!

[Volumeknob]

[Old Ranger]

Fred, I wasn't being rude earlier. Internet conversation is easy to misinterpret as there's no audio to hear the wise cracks and silly voice stuff.

And now I'm in a minor dilemma of sorts. Part of me wants a Seafoam Green Squier Bullet Strat, and another part of me wants a White Squier Bullet Mustang. [Ugly headstock and all] I've had in my time about 2 dozen Strats in all forms, but never a 24" scaled Mustang. I'll have enough to buy just one. Practical thinking tells me Strat. The whackier side says Mustang. I must meditate upon this..

[OldStrummer]

Fred, I wasn't being rude earlier. Internet conversation is easy to misinterpret as there's no audio to hear the wise cracks and silly voice stuff.

And now I'm in a minor dilemma of sorts. Part of me wants a Seafoam Green Squier Bullet Strat, and another part of me wants a White Squier Bullet Mustang. [Ugly headstock and all] I've had in my time about 2 dozen Strats in all forms, but never a 24" scaled Mustang. I'll have enough to buy just one. Practical thinking tells me Strat. The whackier side says Mustang. I must meditate upon this..

Nah, I got it, no offense taken. I'm smart (or thick-skinned) enough to not let offhand comments get to me. I pretty well know when I'm being taken to the woodshed!

Mustang. That's all I'm gonna say.

Just FYI, here is a photo of just my closet in my "studio." Some of my geets didn't come with cases (although I've taken to correcting that).

[Old Ranger]

Dat's a whole lotta gitfiddles! And cases, even gigbags, are a must for the instrument. I admire your commitment to your instruments. Well done old chap. Mustang eh? interesting, I'll have to weigh that. I almost did what I think redicioulious by creating one of those posts saying "Which guitar, help me decide". I hate those posts as the OP really knows what he wants to get. He's mearly showing off saying he's got money to burn and wants the others to fawn over his selfimposed "problem". I'm not built that way. I really can afford just one. Strats are everywhere, true enough. Mustangs, not so much. I'll know in a couple of weeks when I pull one down from the wall, plug in, and play some Bach. If it stands "the fugue and wail test" then we'll know. 24" scale and a 12" radius fretboard does sound intriguing doesn't it? Either way, I feel the need to feed my Squier Bullet Addiction. I do love dem Bullets!